Route Overview: Iiyama to the Mountains of Nagano
This two-day ride leaves Iiyama behind and climbs deeper into the interior of Nagano, connecting riverside hamlets, hot springs, craft studios, and mountain inns. It blends cultural immersion with quiet backroads and ends at the base of a major climb.
Day 1: Temples, Valley Views & Hot Spring Ride
The route begins with a transfer to Iiyama Station, and a walking tour of Iiyama's small temples and Bhutsudan Street can be added before the ride. Iiyama is sometimes called the Kyoto of Shinshu thanks to the density of small temples - but without the crowds.
The afternoon ride is short but scenic. An optional detour includes the Olympic-level ski jump facility, offering views of the valley from the top of the ramp.
The ride ends at an open-air hot spring: Nozomi-no-Yu (or similar), with accommodation that evening in a farmhouse-style inn on the mountainside.
Evening meals here are usually hosted BBQs or shared dinners with local families, and it's a chance to get away from towns and into the quiet of the hills.
Day 2: Along the Chikuma River to Soba Country
The route continues southeast through the river valley. Two route options are available:
- Hard option: 50 km with 1,500 m of climbing over the mountain
- Scenic option: 45 km with 900 m of climbing along the Chikuma River
Riders commonly choose the easier riverside path to conserve energy for the longer climb the following day.
Along the way, the route passes through a small washi paper-making village, where it's possible to stop at Kamisukiya for a paper-making workshop. Nearby springs are part of the 100 famous waters of Japan, and water bottles can be refilled here.
Accommodation is in a repurposed private home, once a minshuku. It's rustic but atmospheric, and owned by a local soba-making instructor. After dropping off the bikes, riders usually visit an outdoor hot spring bath overlooking the town.
The evening includes a hands-on soba-making workshop with the host - no Japanese required - as well as origami, traditional games, and conversation. Despite the comforts, riders usually turn in early to prepare for the challenging ride ahead.